The Face of Saving Lives

Bonfils Blood Center

During World War II while Americans supported the war effort at home, they realized the lifesaving importance of blood transfusions. The independent spirit embodied by Coloradans helped pioneer social responsibility in our state for a singular purpose – saving lives.

At that time the blood banks nearest to Denver were in Dallas and Kansas City. Denver philanthropist Helen G. Bonfils recognized the need for a local community blood bank and in 1943, Belle Bonfils Memorial Blood Bank was founded in honor of Helen’s beloved mother.

In 1971, the organization changed its name to Belle Bonfils Memorial Blood Center to better reflect its expanding services including research. In 2017, Bonfils merged with Blood Systems, Inc., a fellow Arizona-based nonprofit also founded in 1943 and one of the nation’s oldest and largest transfusion medicine organizations.

Founded by a woman, the growing organization continues to make history and for the first time in 74 years, is being led by a woman. A third-generation Colorado native, Anne Burtchaell brings more than 20 years’ experience and innovation to her role as the new Mountain Division President for Blood Systems, Inc. following her 10 years of service to Bonfils Blood Center as both COO and CFO.